Painted Glassware/Coffee Mugs is No More a Style Statement

Every Time You Sip Some Beverage, you are at a Risk of Ingesting Small Paint Particles

The Minions drinking glass gifted on your birthday or your favorite sun sign drinking glass etched with your favorite traits might not be fun to drink from anymore, according to a new study.

The researchers carried out 197 tests on 72 new and second-hand drinking glass products, including tumblers, beer glasses and jars. The results were shocking as 7 out of 10 tested positive for lead or cadmium, both of which are toxic metals. While lead is found in almost all colors and gold-leaf designs, cadmium was present in highest proportions in red enamel. Such hazardous elements present in both the paint and glaze of decorated glassware have a negative impact on both the health of the individual and the surrounding environment.

In terms of health hazards, cadmium can cause cancer, severe kidney problems and bone softening whereas, lead can result in growth and developmental problems. The lead levels present were almost 1,000 times higher than the acceptable limits with paint peeling off every now and then resulting in ingestion of it over a prolonged time period. Lead poisoning is dangerous to health and can result in serous health consequences which are detailed in the website www.firsteatright.com. For instance, a famous burger outlet recalled 12 million Shrek-themed glasses due to the cadmium content in the paint used. The irony here is that, even though safer alternates are available, the use of such unhealthy and dangerous pigments is frustration as well as surprising.
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These facts are not only for the consumers to stay away from painted glassware but also for the glass industry to act more responsibly and eliminate toxic products from such fancy glasses and bottles.